Order of Precedence (Indian Polity and Governance)

Total Questions: 6

1. Consider the following functionaries: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2000]

1. Cabinet Secretary

2. Chief Election Commissioner

3. Union Cabinet Minister

4. Chief Justice of India

Their correct sequence in the Order of Precedence is:

Correct Answer: (c) 4, 3, 2, 1
Solution:The correct sequence in the order of precedence of the given functionaries is Chief Justice of India, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Election Commissioner and Cabinet Secretary.

Order of Precedence is a protocol list in which the functionaries and authorities are recorded by rank and office in the Government of India. The order of precedence is maintained by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The order in this Table of Precedence is meant for State and Ceremonial occasions and has no application in the day-to-day business of Government. The latest notification regarding table of precedence was issued on July 26, 1979.

2. In the order of precedence of the government of India which of the following come/comes above the Chief Justice of India? [R.A.S./R.T.S.(Pre) 1997]

Correct Answer: (b) Former President
Solution:The order of precedence, is as follows-

(1) President

(2) Vice-President

(3) Prime Minister

(4) Governors of the State

(5) Former Presidents

(5A) - Deputy Prime Minister

(6) The Chief Justice of India and the Speaker of Lok Sabha are equal in the table of precedence of Government of India.

3. As per Indian Protocol, who among the following ranks highest in the order of precedence? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2003]

Correct Answer: (c) Governor of a State within his State
Solution:The order of precedence, is as follows-

(1) President

(2) Vice-President

(3) Prime Minister

(4) Governors of the State

(5) Former Presidents

(5A)- Deputy Prime Minister

(6) The Chief Justice of India and the Speaker of Lok Sabha are equal in the table of precedence of Government of India.

4. In the Indian Order of Precedence, who amongst the following comes first? [65th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2019]

Correct Answer: (e) None of the above/More than one of the above
Solution:Order of Precedence of the list is given below:

1. The chairman of UPSC-9A

2. Chief Election Commissioner-9A

3. Comptroller and Auditor General-9A

4. The Chief Justice of High Court-14

So, the correct answer will be (e).

5. Who is the topmost civilian officer in Government of India? [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998]

Correct Answer: (c) Cabinet Secretary
Solution:The Cabinet Secretary is the topmost civilian officer in the Government of India. The Cabinet Secretary is the ex-officio head of the Civil Services Board, Cabinet Secretariat, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and head of all Civil Services under the Rules of the Government of India.

The Cabinet Secretariat functions directly under the Prime Minister. The administrative head of the Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. The business allocated to Cabinet Secretariat under Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 includes (i) Secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees; and (ii) Rules of Business.
The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961 and Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 facilitating smooth transaction of business in Ministries/ Departments. The Secretariat assists in decision-making in Government by ensuring Inter-Ministerial coordination, ironing out differences amongst Ministries/Departments and evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing/adhoc Committees of Secretaries. Management of major crisis situations in the country and coordinating activities of various ministries in such a situation is also one of the functions of the Cabinet Secretariat.

6. Who is the Highest Ranking Civilian Officer in Government of India? [Chhattisgarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2003]

Correct Answer: (c) Cabinet Secretary of India
Solution:The Cabinet Secretary is the topmost civilian officer in the Government of India. The Cabinet Secretary is the ex-officio head of the Civil Services Board, Cabinet Secretariat, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and head of all Civil Services under the Rules of the Government of India.

The Cabinet Secretariat functions directly under the Prime Minister. The administrative head of the Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. The business allocated to Cabinet Secretariat under Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 includes (i) Secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and Cabinet Committees; and (ii) Rules of Business.
The Cabinet Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the Government of India (Transaction of Business) Rules, 1961 and Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 facilitating smooth transaction of business in Ministries/ Departments. The Secretariat assists in decision-making in Government by ensuring Inter-Ministerial coordination, ironing out differences amongst Ministries/Departments and evolving consensus through the instrumentality of the standing/adhoc Committees of Secretaries. Management of major crisis situations in the country and coordinating activities of various ministries in such a situation is also one of the functions of the Cabinet Secretariat.